Wednesday, December 9, 2009

US Airpower Summary, Dec 9, 2009

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 9, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Dec. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

AsadabadAir Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft flew armed overwatch and area reconnaissance for a friendly forces patrol. When insurgents were seen approaching the friendly patrol, a pre-emptive strike with precision guided munitions was authorized. The weapons were released on the enemy force eliminating the threat to the friendly patrol.

Chahar BaghCoalition aircraft provided armed overwatch and surveillance for friendly forces. The aircraft observed armed enemy forces approaching friendly forces, the enemy element suddenly turned and vanished into a crowd of civilians. Shortly thereafter, the insurgents broke from the crowd and approached the friendly forces again, with weapons visible. Strafing runs were made that eliminated the threat to friendly forces.

Coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. When the friendly forces reported receiving enemy fire, a request for aerial support in the form of a show of force was made. The show of force was considered successful when the enemy fire stopped.

AsmarAir Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces convoy. When anti-Afghan forces were reported firing on the convoy, a show of force was requested and successfully performed (with flares expended) to deter the enemy action. Afterwards, when enemy forces were observed approaching the convoy again, a precision guided munition was released on the enemy position that ended the threat to the friendly convoy. The convoy continued on without incident.

Chahar BaghAir Force A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft provided armed overwatch and reconnaissance for friendly forces. When the friendly forces reported receiving enemy small arms fire, a show of force was requested to deter the enemy action. The show of force was successful as the enemy fire ceased and further enemy action was deterred.